Collapsible crate.



H. B. LBARY.

GOLLAPSIBLE CRATE.

APPLIOATION FILED JAN. 29, 190e,

wlw/ff THE NURRIS PEIERS ca PHoTuu la. WASHINGIUN. D t;

H. B. LEARY.

GOLLAPSIBLB CRATE.

APPLIGATION FILED JAN. 29, 190e.

Patented Mar. 30, 1915.

7HE NORIS PETERS C0.. PHTO-Ll THQ.. WASHINGTON, D. C

H. B. LEARY.

GOLLAPSIBLE CRATE.

APPLIGATION FILED JAN. ze, 190s.

Patented Mar. 30, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

1HE NORRIS PETERS CO PHOTCALITHO.. wAsHlNsmN. D. C.

H. B. LEARY.

GOLLAPSIBLE CRATE.

APPLIGATION FILED JAN. 29, 1908.

Patented Mar. 30, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4. gll

b. fw

IIIIII O u W w (of THE NORRIS PETERS C0.. PHOTO-LITHO.. WASHINGTQN, D. C4

HARRY B. LEARY, 0l?l WASIlfNG-TON, DISTRICT 0F COLUMBIA.

COLLAPSIBLE CIR-ATE.

Application filed January 29, 1908.

T0 all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, HARRY B. LEARY, a citizen of the United States, and resident'of lVashington, District of Columbia, have 1nvented certain new and useful Improvements in Collapsible Crates, of which the `following is a specification. n

The object of the present invention isto produce a folding or collapsible crate which will form a rigid and secure receptacle for goods when erected and, which may be knocked down or collapsed into very compact form.

rlhe invention will be described 1n connection with the accompanying drawing, 1n which,

Figure 1 is a side elevation, partly `1n sec tion, of a collapsible crate embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the crate collapsed the cover being removed; Fig. 3 1s a perspective view of the crate, the outer covering being removed from two sides; Fig. 4 is a plan view of part of the cover showing the locking device; Fig. 5 is an enlargement of a portion of Fig. 1; Fig. G is a vertical section through the center of the crate 1n its collapsed condition; Fig. 7 is a detail; Fig. 8 is a perspective view, similar to Fig. 3, illustrating another form of the invention; Fig. 9 is a bottom plan view of a cover adapted for the body shown in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the locking device .at the center of the cover; Fig. 11 is a section on the line 11 of Fig. 9; Figs. 12 and 13 are sections on the line 12-12, 13-13, of Fig. 8; Fig. 14 is a plan view partly in section showing the manner of locking the cover to the bottom flange of the crate when the latter 1s collapsed; Fig. 15 is a section on the line 15-15 of Fig. 14.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive, A indicates the crate proper and B the cover. The crate comprises a rectangular bottom 1, which is preferably square, provided with an upturned flange 2. The bottom and flange may be formed in one piece or the flange may be attached to a separate bottom. In the former case both parts may be made of sheet metal and in the latter case the bottom may be made of wood or other suitable material with a sheet metal flange. The bottom is provided with a recess 3 having a central opening 4 for a purpose to be hereinafter referred to. At each corner of the bottom of the crate a rigid one-piece post 5 Speccation of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 3), 1915. serial no. 413,273.

is connected to the bottom by a hinge joint so that it may fold in upon the bottom. Each post is also provided with a brace 6. In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, each post has a brace connected to its upper end and extending downwardly at an angle of approximately 45 and hinged to the bottom at a point adjacent to the lower end of the next post to the left, as shown most clearly in Figs. 1 and 3. The post and brace are thus adapted to fold inward and downward upon the bottom assuming the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. The braces of the several posts fold over each other and to permit them to lie close to the bottom they are formed with reverse curves or bends, as shown in Fig. 3.

The body 7 of the crate or box is formed Vof flexible material, stout canvas being preferred on account of' its lightness and strength. The canvas is connected to the bottom at its lower edge and suitably connected to the posts at their upper ends, and at intermediate points if desired. As shown, the lower edge of the canvas is secured between the bottom and strips 8 which are fastened to the bottom. The upper edge of the canvas is formed into a hein or tube 9 through which a chain or other flexible inelastic device 10 is passed, the device 10 being securely connected with the corner posts. The middle portion of the chain 10 is surrounded by a tube 11 which is also within the hem 9. rlhe chain 10 is therefore flexible only between the ends of the tube and the post. A suliicient portion of each end of the chain is flexible to permit of the upper edge of the canvas folding, as shown in Fig. 2, while the middle portion is rendered rigid by the tube to prevent persons from flexing the chain and reaching into the crate under the cover when the cover is on. It will be evident that a solid rod with chain sections connected to its ends might be substituted for the chain and tube illustrated. The two posts at what may be termed the rear of the box are provided with hooks 12 which are engaged by eyes 13 within the rear corners of the cover and the two posts at the front of the box are provided with bolt holes or eyes 14 to receive bolts 15 connected with the forward side of the cover. rlhe bolts 15 are located within the cover and they are operated simultaneously by means of a handle 16, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. The handle 16 through openings 20, both openings being formed in parts which are securely connected with the cover. lThe posts are thus securely held against relative movement and when the cover is in place on the posts the entire crate is a strong and rigid structure without any tendency to collapse. "When the cover is removed, however, the four posts together with their braces fold inward, as shown in Fig. 2, carrying with them the canvasbody, the posts lying adjacent and parallel to the edges of the bottom. The sides of the crate thus fold within the flange of the bottom and the cover may be replaced, as shown in Fig. 6. rThe flange of the cover is large enough to encircle the flange of the bottom. To hold the parts in this position l provide a central locking device, which as shown, consists in a double spring hook 21 adapted to interlock with the opening e' in the bottom, as shown in Fig. 6. When the parts are in the position shown in Fig. G no part of the crate is exposed excepting the top and bottom plates and their flanges. The body of the crate and its supporting posts are inclosed and protected. A. number of these crates can .therefore be stacked in a very small space when empty and can be transported cheaply and without danger of injury. The hook 21 is preferably hinged and swiveled so that it can be folded back when the crate is in use so as not to damage the contents of the crate. As shown the hook is hinged to a part 22a which has a swivel connection with the cover and a bracket 23a is provided for supporting the hook.

The form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 8 to 15 inclusive corresponds generally with that heretofore described, but diers in various details which will now be de-` scribed. rhe corner posts 22 are hinged to brackets 23 which are secured to the bottom 211 of the crate and the posts are provided with diagonal braces which are hinged to brackets 26 which are likewise secured to the bottom ofthe crate. ln this form of the invention I preferably use a wood or fiber bottom plate provided with a marginal flange 27 and a similar top plate 28 provided with a marginal liange 29. The fabric body has its lower margin connected to four metal rods 31 and these rods are secured in place by clamps 32 and also by the heels 33 able distance from the end of the rod 31 which is confined by the heel of the corresponding post.

Referring to Figs. V9 to 11, it will be seen that the corner posts 22 are provided with Vof the clamps 32 is arranged at a consider- 1 round and preferably tapered pintles 34 at their upper ends, which are adapted to enter openings 35 in brackets 36 connected with the'cover at its corners. In the brackets 36 also slide four bolts 37 which are connected to a revoluble part 38 mounted at the center of the cover. On the outside of the cover at its center is a handle 39 which is connected with the part 38 and adapted to be rotated to operatethe bolts. |The handle 39 is preferably arranged in a recess 40 in the top of the cover and stops 41 are provided for limiting the movement of the handle in either direction. When the handle is turned in one direction the outer ends of the bolts 37 interlock with the upper ends of the posts, as shown in Fig. 11, and the cover is thus locked tothe body of the crate. When the handle 39 is turned in the other direction, the bolts are withdrawn, as shown in Fig. 9, and the cover may be removed, and the crate collapsed, after removing its contents. It will be apparent that the cover, when square, can be placed on the crate in any of its four relative positions, each corner of the cover being adapted to interlock with any corner post Vofthe crate.

The upper margin of the body of the crate shown in Figs. 8 to 15 may be connected to manner of inclosing the body of the crate,

when folded, by telescoping and interlocking the flanges of the top and the bottom. lt will be understood that the crate shown in Fig. 8 can be folded down upon the bottom, as illustrated Vin Figs. 2 and 6. When the body is folded the top is Vplaced directly upon the bottom, the flanges 27 and 29 telescoping, as illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15. I provide spring latches -l-S which are secured to the top flange 29 and which are adapted to engage openings in the bottom flange 27. These spring latches are provided with inclined faces 44C which cause them to open automatically when the top is pressed on the bottom and they snap into engagement with the lower anges when they are brought to register With the openings therein. I preferably provide one of these spring latches upon each of the four sides of the top 'Flange and cooperating openings in each of the foursides of the bottom flange so that the cover can be placed on the bottom in any of its four possible positions, and l am thus enabled to collapse and inclose the body of the crate very quickly. lThe spring latches can be pried open by a sharp instrument or in any other suitable Way.

My invention differs from folding crates or boxes heretofore used or suggested in that the corner posts are independent of each other and more in different directions when folding. lt is preferable to malte trie top and bottom of the crate square or rectangular but certain features of the invention are equally applicable to crates Which are hexagonal in plan or of other. polygonal outline. In one of its aspects the invention consists in a collapsible crate having a polygonal bottom With independent corner posts hinged to the bottom at the angles thereof and adapted to fold in upon the adjacent margins of the bottom, the several posts folding in as many different directions. ln this manner the posts and the bottom can be folded into smaller compass than Where the ends and sides overlap when folded, as in crates now commonly used.

lt Will be evident that my invention may be embodied in many dierent forms but it is thought unnecessary to illustrate any ad ditional modifications. lt will be understood however that l do not desire to be limited to the exact construction and arrange ment cf parts illustrated and desc'ibed.

ll/vithout limiting myself to the particular shape and disposition of parts illustrated and described, l claim, Y

l. A. folding crate comprising a bottom corner, posts independently hinged to the bottom, a flexible body connected With the posts and With the bottom, and means con-V necting the upper ends of the posts, said means having flexible inelastic portions, the posts and body being adapted to fold in upon the bottom.

2. A folding crate comprising an angular bottom, posts independently hinged to the bottom at the corners thereof, means connecting the upper ends of the posts, said means having flexible inelastic portions, and a flexible body connected With the bottom and with said means, the posts and body being adapted to fold in upon the bottom.

3. A. folding crate comprising a rectangular bottom, corner posts hinged to the said bottom, a flexible body connected With the corner posts, the said posts and body being adapted to fold in upon the bottom, pintles upon the upper extremities of said posts, a top having sockets at its corners to receive said pintles, bolts for securing the top to the posts, and a device for operating said bolts simultaneously.

t. A folding crate comprising an angular bottom, corner posts hingen to the bottom, a flexible body connected with the corner posts at their upper ends, rods to which the lower margin of the body is connected, and means for detachably clamping said rods to the bottom.

5. A. folding crate comprising a rectangular bottom, corner posts hinged to said bottom, a flexible body connected 'with the upper parts of the corner posts, and flexible rods to Which the lower margin of the body is connected, each of said corner posts having heel adapted to secure one of said rods to the bottom when the post is erected.

6. A folding crate comprising a bottom having a marginal flange, corner posts hinged to said bottom, a flexible body connected with the upper parts of the corner posts, flexible rods to which the lower inargin of the body is connected, means for holding said rods in the angl-cs formed by the bottom and the flange.

7. A folding crate comprising an angular bottom, rigid one-piece corner posts independently hinged. to said bottom, and a flexible body connected with the bottom and With the upper ends of the corner posts, the said posts and body being adapted to told in upon the bottom, in combination with a removable top or coter.

A folding crate comprising an angular bottom, rigid one-piece posts independently connected With the corners of the bottom, braces connected .vith the posts, and a flexible body connected with the bottom and With the upper ends of the posts. the said posts and braces being hinged to the bottom and adapted to fold in upon the bottom, in

combination with a removable top or cover.

9. A folding crate comprising an angular bottom, rigid one-piece posts independently hinged to the bottom at the angles thereof, a diagonal brace connected with each post and extending along the side of the crate and hinged to the bottom thereof, and a tlenible body connected with the bottom and with the upper ends of the posts, the posts and braces and the body being adapted to fold in upon the bottom, in combination with a removable top or cover.

10. A folding crate comprising a rectangular bottom, rigid one-piece posts independently hinged to the bottom at the corners thereof and adapted to fold in upon the bottom, a flexible body connected With the bottom and with the upper ends of the said posts, and a removable top constructed to interlock With said posts.

11. A folding crate comprising a rectan gular bottom, rigid one-piece posts independently hinged to the bottom at the corners thereof and adapted to fold in upon the bottom, a flexible body connected with the bottom and with the upper ends of the said posts, and a top adapted to rest on said posts, said posts having pintles adapted to interlock with the top and the top being provided with bolts adapted to interlock with the posts.

12. A folding crate comprising a rectangular bottom having a flange, a detachable rectangular cover having a flange adapted to surround the flange of the bottom when the crate is collapsed, rigid one-piece posts hinged to the bottom at the corners thereof and adapted to interlock with the top, and a flexible bodv connected with the bottom and with the upper ends of the posts, the said posts and cover being adapted to fold in upon the bottom and to be inolosed by the cover and bottom when so folded.

' 13. A folding crate comprising a rectangular bottom having a flange, a rectangular cover having a flange adapted to surround the flange of the bottom when the crate is collapsed, rigid one-piece posts hinged to the bottom at the corners thereof and adapted to interlock with the top, and a flexible body connected with the bottom and with the upper ends of the posts, the said posts and body being adapted to fold in upon the bottom and to be inclosed by the top and bottom when so folded, and means for locking the flange of the cover to the flange of the bottom when the crate is collapsed.

14. A folding crate comprising a polyg-4 Copies of this patent may be obtained for onal bottom, rigid one-piece posts independently hinged to the said'bottom at the angles thereof and pivoted to fold down upon the bottom respectively in as many different directions and to lie parallel to and adjacent the respective edges of the bottom when folded, and a flexible body connected with the posts and bottom and foldable upon the bottom with the corner posts.

15. A folding crate comprising a rectangular'bottom, rigid one-piece posts independently hinged to the bottom at the angles thereof, .the said posts being respectively pivoted to fold upon the bottom in four different directions and to lie parallel to and adjacent the four edges of the bottom when folded, and a flexible body connected to the posts and foldable therewith.

16. A folding crate comprising a square bottom, rigid one-piece posts hinged to said bottom at the corners thereof, a flexible body connected with the bottom and with the upper ends of the said posts, and a detachable square top having means at each corner to interlock with any of its four possible positions to the body, said posts and body being foldable upon the bottom, sub* stantially as described.

In testimony whereof I alfLX my signature` in presence of two witnesses.

HARRY B. LEARY. Witnesses:

WILLLAM BETZ,

W. F. JACOB.

ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. Y 

